Personnel administration in the Black urban local authorities of Natal and Transvaal.

Abstract

Within the framework of any institution, human beings constitute the most essential element that largely determines whether or not an institution will accomplish the goals it has set for itself. Human labour provides this dynamic mechanism which enables institutions to pursue their objectives. This essential device, through which institutions harness human labour manifests itself as personnel administration. This study conducts an in-depth analysis of personnel administration within the context of Black local authorities In Natal and Transvaal. An examination of the historical development of personnel administration within urban local government institutions catering for the African in the urban areas reveals that this process has been inextricably interwoven with developments in the political arena. Black local authorities are at present actively engaged in designing, developing and implementing a personnel system that has the potential to facilitate accomplishment of task goals, maintenance goals and eventually social responsibility. These institutions must discern clearly the internal and external constraints affecting their operation and contribute toward the great debate for the resolution of the challenges .

The established categories of Black local authorities have been identified as city councils, town councils, town committees and local authority committees. The personnel department has been identified as the focal point for the examination of the actual personnel processes within Black local authorities. A variety of processes such as policy-making and organizational planning for personnel provision and utilization; personnel planning, recruitment, selection and placement; training and development; labour relations and collective bargaining as well as compensation administration are presented and analysed. A conclusion 1S drawn on the basis of the findings. Some recommendations are advanced with the hope that their adoption and implementation might contribute significantly in the elimination of the perceived institutional dysfunctioning.